For fear has to do with punishment. (from 1 John 4:18)

Why does a believer not have to fear punishment?

Psalm 103:10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.

God is just and crimes must be punished. Why aren’t we repaid for our sins and punished?

Col. 2:13-14 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Jesus took the punishment. To fear punishment is to not know in faith that Jesus bore your sins and took on your death to give you His righteous life.

1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness…

Do you believe what Jesus accomplished for you? It’s not just forgiveness but a righteous life that fears no punishment.